Former IEMOP Chief Atty. Richard Nethercott Strengthens Primelectric Group’s Leadership In Philippine Power Sector

In a move that underscores Primelectric Holdings Inc.’s growing influence in the country’s energy landscape, Atty. Richard Nethercott, former President and CEO of the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), has officially joined the group as its Corporate Chief Operations Officer (COO).

Primelectric Holdings, owned by businessman Enrique Razon Jr., serves as the holding company for the group’s power distribution utilities, which include MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) in Iloilo, Negros Power, and Bohol Light Company, Inc. The group also operates MORE Power Barge and its retail energy arm, PrimeRES.

A Strategic Addition to Primelectric’s Leadership

Primelectric President and CEO Roel Castro welcomed Atty. Nethercott’s appointment, describing it as a valuable addition to the company’s leadership team. With over five years of experience leading IEMOP — the organization responsible for managing the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) — Nethercott brings with him a deep understanding of the country’s power trading system and market operations.

His extensive background in the energy industry also includes serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), the entity that initially handled WESM operations. Beyond his corporate work, Nethercott has also contributed to academia, teaching law in various universities and mentoring future legal practitioners.

Driving Operational Excellence and Innovation

Nethercott’s entry into Primelectric aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational efficiency and service delivery. According to Castro, his leadership and experience in regulatory and market operations will be instrumental as Primelectric continues to modernize and expand its utilities in key areas across the Visayas.

For his part, Atty. Nethercott expressed enthusiasm for his new role, emphasizing his commitment to advancing Primelectric’s mission. He shared that it is both an honor and a challenge to join the company and contribute toward ensuring that Filipino consumers receive reliable, high-quality electricity service.

Positioning for a Stronger Energy Future

The appointment signals Primelectric’s intention to further strengthen its position in the Philippine power sector through experienced leadership and strategic innovation. With ongoing modernization projects and regional expansions — such as the rehabilitation of Negros Power’s distribution network — Primelectric continues to push for sustainable growth and improved service standards.

By bringing in an executive with deep expertise in electricity market operations, the group reinforces its commitment to excellence, transparency, and consumer-focused service — key pillars in achieving long-term energy reliability across the regions it serves.

In summary, Atty. Richard Nethercott’s addition to Primelectric’s leadership team reflects more than just a personnel change — it represents a strategic step toward shaping a more efficient, responsive, and future-ready power distribution industry in the Philippines.